Fix OneDrive Disconnecting and Losing the Sync Folder on Mac
Question details
Users experience repeated OneDrive disconnections and missing sync folders, particularly after changing passwords or when using professional accounts on the Mac App Store version.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Attempting to maintain a stable file sync connection after updating Microsoft 365 account credentials.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive drops the connection, reports that the sync folder cannot be found, or displays null folder preferences, preventing files from syncing.
Ensure you have your updated Microsoft 365 account login details ready, and verify that your Mac is running the latest stable version of macOS.
Install the Standalone OneDrive Client and Clear Credentials
Uninstall the Mac App Store version of OneDrive, which is known to have sync bugs with professional accounts, and replace it with the standalone version from Microsoft.
The Mac App Store version of OneDrive can sometimes struggle with authentication tokens, especially after a password change for work or school accounts. Switching to the standalone client downloaded directly from Microsoft usually resolves these repeated disconnections.
Open 'Keychain Access' from your Mac's Utilities folder. Search for 'OneDrive' and delete any saved cached credentials to prevent old passwords from interfering.
Quit OneDrive. Open your 'Applications' folder, locate the OneDrive app, and drag it to the Trash. Empty the Trash to completely remove the App Store version.
Visit the official Microsoft OneDrive download page in your web browser and download the standalone macOS installer (.pkg file).
Run the downloaded installer. Once installed, launch OneDrive, sign in with your updated credentials, and carefully select your preferred sync folder location during the setup.
Reset the OneDrive Application
If the standalone client still disconnects, resetting the app settings can clear out corrupted preference files without deleting your local data.
Looking for a Seamless Office Experience? Try WPS Office
If persistent Microsoft 365 and OneDrive sync issues are interrupting your productivity, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly stable environment for all your document needs with its own reliable cloud synchronization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive keep disconnecting after I change my password?
macOS Keychain often retains outdated security tokens. When OneDrive tries to sync using the old token instead of prompting for the new password, the connection fails and repeatedly disconnects.
Will I lose my files if I uninstall the OneDrive Mac app?
No. Uninstalling the OneDrive application does not delete the files stored in your local OneDrive folder or the files already synced to the cloud.
What does a 'null folder preferences' error mean in OneDrive?
This error typically indicates that OneDrive's configuration files have become corrupted and the app has lost track of the directory path where your local sync folder is stored.
Is there a difference between the Mac App Store version and the standalone OneDrive client?
Yes. The Mac App Store version is sandboxed according to Apple's guidelines, which can occasionally restrict background sync processes. The standalone version from Microsoft's website has broader system access, often resolving persistent sync bugs.
